Edinburgh is known for many things: the Fringe Festival, it's Christmas markets, the iconic castle - and, of course, whisky. Scotland's national drink is celebrated among the city's bars, pubs and distilleries, many of which offer tasting experiences for you to learn more about the spirit.
We've rounded up the very best places to try this delicious drink, from underground distilleries to stylish restaurants. Wondering where to find them? Read on to discover the best whisky tastings Edinburgh has to offer.
Best Edinburgh Whisky Tasting
1. Johnnie Walker
- Address: 145 Princes Street, EH2 4BL
- Prince: from £30
Johnnie Walker's Princes Street outpost is perhaps the best-known location for whisky lovers in the city. This global icon has been producing Scottish whisky since 1820, and they've perfected their recipes over the years, which you can enjoy neat or in the form of one of their delicious cocktails at the gorgeous 1820 Rooftop Bar.
They offer tours and tastings to suit all budgets, from a guided session exploring a traditional flight to a luxurious chocolate and whisky pairing. Whether you want to learn more about how it's made or just fancy trying some top-quality drinks, they've got options on almost every single day.
Enjoy a Johnnie Walker whisky tasting experience for as little as £30 per person.
2. Whiski Rooms
- Address: 4-7, North Bank Road, EH1 2LP
- Price: from £30
Whether you're a whisky connoisseur or a total beginner, Whiski Rooms promises tastings that are fun for everyone. This Old Town gem hosts daily whisky tastings, with an adjoining shop where you can purchase your favourites afterwards.
From an introduction to whisky tasting to pairings with cheese or chocolate, bringing out the best of these flavours together. For more of a private event, they offer premium and corporate packages too.
Find tastings every day at Whiski Rooms.
3. The Scotch Whisky Experience
- Address: 354 Castlehill, EH1 2NE
- Price: from £24
A beloved attraction on Edinburgh's Royal Mile, The Scotch Whisky Experience is an award-winning spot that has been welcoming visitors for more than 35 years. Their tours are suitable for beginners and experts alike, teaching you all there is to know about Scottish whisky, showing off one of the world's largest collections.
They offer guided tours, tasting sessions with food pairings and even a three-course tasting menu in their Amber Restaurant - including six whiskies and costing only £100 per person. Most of these events are available on a daily basis, so it's always a good time to pop down to this charming destination.
Sample premium Scottish fare at this whisky tasting on the Edinburgh Royal Mile.
4. The Mother Superior
- Address: 96-98 Leith Walk, EH6 5HB
- Price: varies
A welcoming bar in Leith, The Mother Superior has got a cool basement space where they often host tastings and other whisky-focused events. They've got over 800 bottles of the stuff on offer, so you're guaranteed to leave knowing more about the spirit than when you entered.
They often partner up with other groups to bring you the very best of whisky, from their After Work Highballs sessions that come with a tasting to musical events with lots of drinks involved.
For a unique twist on the tasting experience, head to The Mother Superior.
5. Tipsy Midgie
- Address: 67 St Leonards Hill, EH8 9SB
- Price: from £25
After a laid-back spot to try out some tantalising tipples? Then make your way to Tipsy Midgie, a dedicated whisky bar that hosts all kinds of tasting and pairing experiences. They partner with a number of different distilleries to bring you only the best drinks, with sessions starting at only £25 each.
Their £50 chocolate pairing experience is particularly worth trying, complete with five delicious drams and fine, handmade Scottish chocolates to match. More of a savoury fan? They also offer a cheese-based option every month for the same price.
From cheese to chocolate, there's lots to enjoy with your whisky here.
6. The Lost Close
- Address: 1 Barrie's Close, EH1 1RF
- Price: from £37
Found just off of the Royal Mile, The Lost Close is a quirky venue in a hidden basement that was only discovered in 2019 - covered by rubble after The Great Edinburgh Fire of 1824. There's a strong sense of history here, though they provide some innovative drinks for you to try.
For £37 per person you can book an introduction to whisky, teaching you more about the distilling process while you taste these tipples. They also offer a luxury tasting for more premium blends, as well as a tour that focuses on the role of women in whisky over the years.
This hidden gem is found in a historic basement.
7. Scotch Malt Whisky Society
- Address: 28 Queen Street, EH2 1JX
- Price: varies
Since 1983, the Scotch Malt Whisky Society has been a popular destination in the city centre specialises in single cask whisky - with a second location in Leith. This stunning, four-storey Georgian building is home to a wide variety of whisky experiences, from regular tastings to one-off events.
They serve more than 500 exclusive single malts from across Scotland and beyond, and the bar is open for you to sample these six days a week. Looking for something a little more exclusive? You can hire their rooms for a private event.
Sip single malt whisky at the Scotch Malt Whisky Society.
8. The Port Of Leith Distillery
- Address: 11 Whisky Quay, EH6 6FH
- Price: from £20
Looking for a cheap whisky tasting in Edinburgh? The Port Of Leith Distillery is located right on the water's edge, a towering building that offers stunning views alongside some of the best drinks around. Their 90-minute tour allows you to explore the fascinating architecture of the building, while hearing the story of the founders.
Of course, you'll sample lots of drams along the way, and you can even fill up your own miniature bottle to take home. They also offer a 60-minute version, and in July you can book the distiller's tour - only available during this time period while they have to pause production for maintenance.
Soak up the views and the booze at this Leith distillery.
For more boozy inspiration, check out the best gin bars in Edinburgh.
